Share:

Towing a loaded trailer is not as simple as hitching it up to your vehicle and hauling off. To do it safely, you must choose trailer hitches based on several factors. Apart from keeping you and other motorists safe, using the right one also prevents costly damage to your vehicle’s engine, transmission, frame, axles, brakes, and wheel bearings. Here are the factors to consider before picking a hitch.

Factors You Should Consider Before Selecting a Trailer Hitch

1. Towing Capacity

A vehicle’s towing or weight-carrying capacity can be found in the owner’s manual. This number indicates the heaviest load your truck can pull safely. Anything higher is considered risky and potentially damaging.  

2. Gross Trailer Weight

Also bear in mind the gross trailer weight rating (GTWR), which is the total mass of a trailer that is fully loaded. This number will help you select a hitch that is strong enough to do the job.  

3. Tongue Weight

The tongue weight (TW) is the amount of direct weight the hitch can bear. It is affected by the load’s position and considered crucial in maintaining control of the vehicle. An insufficient TW relative to the GTW can make the trailer sway or the vehicle less responsive. Choose trailer hitches with a TW that is about 10 to 15% of the GTW.

How to Choose the Right One

trailer hitchesOnce you’ve determined the vehicle’s towing capacity and the trailer weight, you can select the right hitch for your rig. Trailer hitches are categorized into five classes according to towing size and vehicle type. If you’re hauling with a sedan or minivan, go for a trailer hitch within classes 1 or 2. If you’re towing with a bigger automobile like a pickup truck or a sports utility vehicle, select one from classes 3, 4, or 5.

 

The expert technicians at Truckshop USA in Stevens Point, WI, will help you pick the right trailer hitch for your towing rig. As the leading supplier of truck accessories, from nerf bars and running boards to bedliners and covers, they have everything you need for a heavy-duty vehicle. Learn more by calling (715) 342-9150 or visiting their website.

tracking